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Ty Belford reflects on Hinckley AFC’s FA Vase progression

Hinckley AFC goalkeeper Ty Belford said his side can go as far as it wants after their Buildbase FA Vase second round win over AFC Mansfield.

Against a side who had lost just one game all season in a league higher than their own, Hinckley progressed thanks to Luke Richards’ second half brace.

And the goalkeeper said that despite Mansfield’s record this season, his side knew what they needed to do to win the game.

“We know we’re a threat going forward but we set up very well defensively and stayed compact as a unit. The main thing for us is that we keep as many clean sheets as possible.

“We know what we can do going forward, we need to stay strong and resolute at the back and keep those clean sheets.

“This team can go as far as it wants. If we keep working hard and doing what we can behind the scenes, we’ll go as far as we want to.”

The former Swindon Town ‘keeper made a crucial save at 1-0 to keep his side in the lead, which went a long way to securing Hinckley’s place in the third round draw. Belford, though, said it’s just part of his job.

“It’s part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. You can’t switch off at any point during the game. All I want to do is help this team. I was able to do it then, and luckily we’re through to the next round.”

Now four games into his Hinckley career, the 23-year-old said he’s enjoying his football again and had no hesitation in signing when the call came.

“It’s a club where I knew I was going to get a smile back on my face. It’s a familiar club for me, having travelled around as a young kid watching my old man play.

“I know a lot of people at the club, so when I got the call to come here it was never in doubt. I wanted to come back as soon as possible.”